| Since
I put up my page, I have been getting a lot of questions. I am more than
happy to try and answer them. However, I am not going to get into
discussions as to the quality of one kit over another or why I chose IFG
over other manufacturers. I did my research, followed the recommendations
of the publications, visited the manufacture and I made my decision to
buy the Phantom Roadster. I believe I went into this with my eyes wide
open. I recommend that anyone who is going to build a kit take the time
to do the necessary research. What I will attempt to do is communicate
how I am assembling the vehicle and any problems or solutions that I come
across. |
| Q. Where
can I learn about building a kit car? |
A.I
would suggest the following, subscribe to Kit Car and Kit
Car Illustrated. (You can actually subscribe to Kit
Car Illustrated from this link if you wish to. I am trying to get Kit Car
available as well) These are both good publications that keep
tabs on the industry. Look at
Kit Car
web site and check out their consumer alerts section. They also offer a
Kit Car Buyers Guide. Consider a book "The
Car Builders Guide" by Doug McCleary published by H.P. Books.Cory
Rudl also has a book called "Secrets
of Buying and building your Specialty Car on a Small Budget" Click
here for more books |
| Q. In
you research for the engine upgrade did consider the longitudinally mounted
V8? |
A.I
originally considered going with a small block chevy with the 914 transaxle.
I was concerned that the 914 wouldn't handle the stress with 25" of rubber
on the road. I understand you need to consider horsepower, torque
and traction in making these decisions. By the time I got a quote
for a 915 or 911 which would handle it I was up to $2,500-3,000 just for
the tranny. By the time I added in clutch, starter, etc. the Northstar
was a better solution for me. |
| Q.
How
are you going to cool the Northstar? |
A.This
is going to involve adding two additional (three total) radiators. It looks
like I can add one on each side in front of the rear wheels and then duct
the scoops into provide airflow and cooling. I'm not there yet and
I still have a lot of research to do. UPDATE: I am
going to go with just two radiators in the back like the original Lambo
has them installed. I will leave the front configuration for the AC coils.
I will put the transmission cooler and oil cooler in front of the back
radiators. |
| Q.How
much did it cost? UPDATED 10/15/00 |
A.There
are many factors that have gone into the cost. I have kept a spreadsheet
of all the costs and as of 10/15/2000 the cost are $36,804. I estimate
that he total cost will be 40,000 +before I am done. I have not added in
the costs of the tools like air compressor, drill press, welder, grinders
etc. because I can use them for more than just the kit. |
| Q.With
two previous kits under your belt can a first time kit builder do this? |
A.It
would be tough but doable. You need to be able to weld, fabricate
pieces, work with fiber glass and be able to improvise. A lot would
depend on how much patience you have. Because I have built others,
I think my expectations were realistic. I will end up with a beautiful
car, but it will be lot of work. UPDATE: Having worked
on the car for over 6 months, I would not recommend this for a first
time builder unless they really knew what they were getting into and that
their expectations were realistic. It is not just a bolt on application. |
| Q.Did
you go to CA to pickup your kit from IFG or was it shipped to your home. |
A.I
visited IFG in December 1997 and toured their facilities. They had
lots of cars in various stages and that is a good sign. They are extremely
busy. I had the kit shipped to me which is expensive and it comes
in a crate 16' x 7' x 4' and if you don't have a loading dock, you have
to take it apart on the truck. That's what I had to do. IFG
did
not ship all of the parts at the time and I am still waiting for some
things but I have no doubt that I will get everything that I paid for.
It is just taking longer. |
| Q.Are
the instructions detailed enough to build the car? |
A.The
kit comes with a video, blueprints and a small instruction manual with
wiring diagrams and drawings of key components. The Video is quite
detailed but it is for the VT and the SE, not the Roadster. I approached
Ray about doing a more comprehensive manual and we came to an arrangement.
I am producing a Phantom Roadster Instruction Manual for IFG that will
be available on CD-ROM. It is in PDF format and the CD will have
the Acrobat readers on the CD. It is comprised of step by step illustrations
taken from scanned photos, digital cameras, video captures and anything
else that I can do to make the manual clear. When I run into questions,
Ray has been very good about providing answers. |
| Q.Are
you concerned about the body flex with the roadster? |
A.With
the sub frame welded underneath and the strength of the plates that have
been added on the stretch, I do feel that the body will have the required
rigidity. I won't actually know how this works out until I get to that
stage. |
| Q.Is this
kit an exact replica of a Lamborghini Roadster? |
A.While
the kit may not be an exact replica, I certaintly think that the average
person will never be able to tell the difference. Check out this roadster
site and compare it to IFGs
roadster pictures. |
| Q.Where
can I find Insurance? |
A.Most
specialty insurance companies offer policies but they will have mileage
caps on them. These are a listing of insurance
companies form Kit Car magazine as a starting point. |
